Obesity Advocacy in the News

July 12, 2017

State Assembly Committee on Health public hearing (June 6, 2016)

During a public hearing at the state capitol, Luke Funk, MD spoke to notify the Assembly Committee on Health about concerns held by the Wisconsin Obesity Coalition surrounding state statue 49.46 (2)(f), which limits Medicaid coverage for bariatric surgery “unless it is performed because of a medical emergency.” The prevalence of obesity in Wisconsin was summarized, and Dr. Funk proposed removal of the statute on behalf of the Obesity Coalition.

This study used self-reported data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRSS). From 2011 to 2014, prevalence of severe obesity in Wisconsin increased 30%, while bariatric rates declined.

May 24, 2017

The spring Wisconsin ASMBS state chapter newsletter is now available. Read more about the efforts of state chapter members here.

February 21, 2016
Doctors, patients seek weight-loss surgery coverage for state workers. How Wisconsin is helping people reclaim their lives by improving insurance coverage for bariatric surgery.

May 2, 2016
After “The Biggest Loser” contestants bodies fought to regain the weight. A recent study helps explain why so many people fail to keep the weight off.

September 1, 2016Check out the first Wisconsin State Chapter Newsletter. The goal of this newsletter is to provide information such as advocacy efforts, clinical and research that our members are leading, upcoming events, and general information about our members.

September 12, 2016

Veterans who underwent bariatric surgery experienced significantly more weight loss than non-surgical patients shown in this study including an 80% follow-up rate out to 10 years.

Information about bariatric surgery insurance coverage in Wisconsin can be found here.